Chapter 1 & 2: Forever
Chapter 1:
³You what,² he yelled at her.
³I bought the boutique,² she said handing him the key.
It had been a month since they got engaged and Sheridan was still living in the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. Antonio
was staying in with Luis while Sheridan slept in Theresaıs old room. The news about Theresa expecting a baby had
surprised even Sheridan, but she was happy for Ethan and her soon to be sister-in-law, Theresa. Theresa had
moved into the Crane mansion with Ethan and loving every minute of it. She was finally achieving her dreams of
becoming Mrs. Ethan Crane, so that is what Sheridan thought.
Sheridan and Luis did not understand why Ethan
and Theresa had not discussed marriage. They explained to their families that Theresa did not want to settle down
just yet. Sure she was young and now expecting a baby, but she was still very much an independent woman.
Sheridan felt the same way, even though, she was totally head over heels in love with Luis and they were planning
their wedding, she still wanted a life of her own. The boutique would be the answer to both Sheridan and Theresaıs
prayers.
³I bought the boutique and your sister will help me run it,² Sheridan explained. ³She has dreamed of a career in the
fashion industry and here is her chance. We have discussed this in great length.²
³What about Ethan does he know about this,² Luis asked.
³Well hopefully she is telling him right now,² Sheridan answered.
Sheridan and Luis were sitting at the kitchen table during lunch hour. He had made a routine out of coming home
for lunch to see Sheridan. He would check on the progress she had made on the wedding, and talk about their days.
She had constantly reminded him that they could not live in this house forever. After the night they spent in the
cabin they would not only go away for a night together but that is another reason he would come home during the
afternoon.
He was conflicted when it came to moving out of his motherıs house. He had grown up there and helped raise his
younger siblings and even though they were young adults he still felt obligated to be there.
At the Crane mansion Theresa was confessing the buy of the boutique with Ethan. She wasnıt sure how he would
react.
³Sheridan really wants this to work and so do I. This is a perfect opportunity for Sheridan and I,² Theresa
explained.
³What about school? You wanted to go to college. Now you are going to give that up,² Ethan asked.
³No, I am going to take a couple classes at night,² Theresa replied.
³When will I get to see you? Now that we are having a baby, Theresa, you have to slow down not put more stress
in your life. Buying this boutique will do that to you. Do you even know what goes into running a business?²
³You donıt think we can do it, do you?²
³I didnıt say that.²
³You didnıt deny it. Sheridan did major in business in college. And well I have the fashion experience. We both
know powerful people who can help us. Plus your mother already knows and is thrilled with the notion.²
³Does this have something to do with the reason you will not marry me?²
³No, it doesnıt. I just think we need to take it slow before we jump into marriage.²
³We are having a baby together. What happened to the woman I knew who wanted nothing more than to marry
me?²
³She realized there is more in life than being a Crane!²
At the Harmony Police Department, Sam was sitting at his desk working on some paperwork when none other than
his first love walked into his office.
³Ivy, what are you doing here,² Sam ordered.
³I would like to talk to you about us becoming grandparents. This wasnıt how I had his life planned,² Ivy hissed.
³I am happy for Ethan and Theresa. Why do you have a problem with it,² he asked her.
She sat down in front of his desk looking so elegant in her white business suit with her hair pinned back. Ivy Crane
was still very much in love with Sam Bennett even though she was married to the most powerful family in Harmony.
With all of the bad publicity towards the Cranes the past few months, Ivy wasnıt about to add more flames into the
fire. She wanted Theresa and Ethan to get married, but Theresa had other plans.
³Do you know that she doesnıt want to marry him? She says she loves him, but she is not ready to get married.
After all she went through to break Ethan and Gwen up, she has now decided to wait for marriage.²
³I donıt think I am the expert to go to for advice on this, Ivy. You have to remember that she was dating Noah
before we found about this unexpected pregnancy. Noah is heartbroken about this, yet he is keeping it together.²
³I am not worried about your son with Grace. I am only concerned for our Ethan,² she yelped before Grace walked
into this office.
Grace had overheard the conversation from outside her husbandıs office. She wasnıt sure how to handle the
situation laid upon her. She was devastated when she found out the news that Ethan was Samıs son with Ivy. She
thought she knew her husband, and to later found out that his first love was Ivy Winthrop Crane had almost
destroyed their marriage. It took Sam weeks to convince Grace that he was over Ivy and the only reason he kept it a
secret all of these years was to protect her. He repeatedly told her that he didnıt know about Ethanıs parentage
until the time everyone else had found out. She had forgiven him, but how was she going to handle Ivy constantly
in their lives.
³Ivy, he cares deeply for both of his sons,² Grace interrupted. ³What makes you think otherwise? All of us have
had to adjust to the situation and you barging in here trying to tell Sam that he must drop everything to take care of
Ethan is not only selfless but also petty.²
³What makes you think you can talk to me that way,² Ivy ordered.
Sam could tell that both of them were getting to go into another battle on what was best for Sam, so he did the only
thing he could.
³Stop the both of you. Ivy, I donıt have time for this. Ethan and Noah can handle their own problems involving
Theresa. And what you need to do is stay out of his relationship with her. If you get mixed up in this it will only
cause more heartache,² Sam ordered. ³I think it is time for you to leave.²
Ivy left the room, but she wasnıt finished with Sam. She still loved him and Ethan was going to be her way back to
him. Ethanıs relationship with Theresa would be her ticket into Samıs arms.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2:
At the Book Cafe Whitney was sitting at a table reading when Simone came walking up to her. Simone had decided
not to force a relationship with Chad, of course after he confessed that the song he played months ago was not
meant for her, but for her sister. She wasnıt about to give up just yet, though, she still had the upper hand.
Whitney still was very focused on tennis and her father made sure she didnıt let anything distract her.
³So how is my favorite sister, today,² Simone stated.
³What do you need Simone,² Whitney asked not looking away from her book.
³Actually I came to see if you could tell mom and dad that I am at the library tonight,² Simone answered.
³Where will you be?²
³Kay and I got invited to Rick Robinsonıs party.²
³I heard nothing but bad things about that guy. You shouldnıt go, Simone.²
³Too bad, we need a night out.²
³Your sister is right, Simone,² Chad commented walking up behind her. ³He has been known to party too much with
the ladies.²
³How sweet. Are you worried about me, Chad,² Simone asked getting closer to him.
³Yes, you have been nothing but a dear friend to me since I arrived in town. Kay and you should not go to that
party,² Chad stated.
Simone turned away heading for the door, she got to the door and turned around once more.
³We are going to that party,² Simone said to Whitney and Chad leaving the Book Cafe.
After she had left the premises Chad sat down next to Whitney leaving just a couple of inches from each other.
³Are you up for a party tonight,² Chad asked Whitney.
³Anything to make sure that Simone doesnıt do something stupid just to get back at me,² Whitney suggested.
³I will pick you up at 8:00 tonight,² Chad said walking back up to the counter.
³I canıt wait,² Whitney whispered low enough for he could not hear her.
Pilar had not felt very well so Ivy let her leave early upon walking into her house she heard something upstairs.
She knew Luis had come home often for lunch to see Sheridan, but what she didnıt realize was they did more than
have lunch together. When she realized what was going on upstairs she turned back out of the door hoping to give
the lovebirds some more time alone. Pilar didnıt like the idea of her son and his fiance together in the house anyone
of her children could walk in. She wanted the two of them to be a proper influence on her other children, but lately
want did it matter. She thought she knew her children, she thought she taught them that premarital sex was a sin.
Instead her son and his fiance were making love in the middle of the afternoon in her own house and her daughter,
Theresa, was pregnant with Ethanıs child. She didnıt understand her children anymore, if only her Martin had been
here.
She was walking back to the car when Antonio walked up. He was still working for the Crane empire right along
side Ethan. He had began to remember bits and pieces of his life before becoming the adopted son of Alistair Crane.
³Mamma, what are you doing here,² Antonio asked his mother.
³I wasnıt feeling very well so Ivy sent me home,² she answered.
³So why are you headed out.²
³Well your brother is in there with Sheridan and I thought I should give them sometime alone,² she blushed.
³I will fix that,² he laughed strolling into the house.
Pilar stood there admiring her son. Luis and Antonio had become close since he moved back in. She once thought
he would feel hatred towards Sheridan for being a Crane, but he knew she didnıt want to be one of them. She had
given it all up to be with Luis, the money, the power, and the name.
He didnıt know if he could, though, it was all he
knew. Antonio had grew up everything handed to him, yet, his family worked for what they had. There was no free
ride being a Lopez-Fitzgerald. He had been all over the world but the Lopez-Fitzgeraldıs had a limited places they
could go. He knew of Luisı trip to Paris to rescue Sheridan, but from what he heard that was the only place out of
the country he had been. Antonio had spent of what he remembered of his life in Europe, not knowing his real
family.
³Luis. Sheridan,² Antonio yelled walking into the house hoping they could hear him. ³Mamma and I were hoping to
have lunch with you guys. Anyone here?²
Luis bolted out of bed grabbed his clothes with Sheridan following the lead.
³What is Mamma and Antonio doing here,² Luis wondered.
³This is their house too, Luis. I knew we would eventually get caught,² Sheridan replied buttoning her shirt fixing
her hair running out of the room.
They darted down the stairs to come upon Antonioıs laughter. They knew that they were caught not only by
Antonio but also by Pilar. Pilar was standing in the doorway with a look of content on her face.
³Mamma, what is wrong? You are never home this early,² Luis questioned.
³I am just a little worn down. Ms. Crane let me take the rest of the day off with the baby and your wedding, I just
canıt keep up,² Pilar answered.
³Mamma, get some rest from what I heard Sheridan still has a lot of planning. I better get back to work, Sam might
get a little worried,² Luis replied giving a peck on the cheek to his mother than Sheridan.
³See you later, bro,² Antonio waved.
Luis walked out the door with Sheridan heading to the kitchen suddenly Antonio and Pilar turned to Sheridan.
³Wait one minute, Sheridan,² Pilar said.
Sheridan knew that Pilar was going to mention what she had interrupted earlier, her face had turned red
embarrassed about what would be said.
³I just wanted to check on how those wedding plans were going,² Pilar sighed.
³Yea, Sheridan, I know Mamma is wondering what she might walk in on when Luis is here with you planning the
honeymoon, I mean wedding,,² Antonio laughed.
Sheridanıs face turned another shade red while Pilar shifted a bit being a bit embarrassed herself.
³Stop picking on Sheridan. My dear, how about we see what you had in mind,² Pilar commented taking Sheridanıs
arm strolling into the kitchen.
³Why canıt Luis help on his wedding,² Antonio asked following the ladies.
³You boys would not know the first thing about planning a wedding. This is the most important day of a ladyıs life,
everything has to be perfect.
If Luis had his way it would be a barbecue in the back yard,² Pilar replied.
³As much as I love your brother, Pilar is right, Luis would suggest having just a few guests in the backyard.
Theresa and I were thinking of having it at the Country Club with one hundred guests serving a wide variety of
gourmet foods,² Sheridan explained.
³Luis doesnıt even know a hundred people,² Antonio added.
³He might not have been raised like you were but he still has high connections around the world. I know Agent Hal
Freedman from the FBI would love to come to the wedding then there are our friends from Paris,² Sheridan stated.
³Just because he didnıt travel around like you and I did most of our lives does not mean he doesnıt have the
connections like the Cranes.²
³I didnıt mean it like that,² Antonio shouted.
³How did you mean it,² Pilar wondered.
³He has never really left Harmony from what I know of other than with Sheridan. On those trips he knows these
people through a Crane. Someone of our class does not mix well with someone like Luisı,² Antonio specified.
³Your blood ties you to Luis. And from what I recall not only do Luis and I plan on living a life together but so do
Ethan and Theresa. Do not stand there and tell me that our classes do not mix because you are a Lopez-Fitzgerald
thru and thru even if you grew up as a Crane. Pilar, here, has raised Ethan and I to know that everyone is the same
no matter if they have money or not. You did not have her as a role model, you had my father, the man whose only
life ambition was to be the richest and most powerful man in the world and he would stop at nothing to get it.²
³Our father never did anything to make me not love him. He was there for me every step of the way, every event in
my life. Anything I did he was right there for me,² Antonio argued leaving the house in a fit of rage.
Sheridan stood there in tears running down her face. She could not believe that her father had been there for
Antonioıs life, but not hers. What made her father hate her so much? Why did he take care of Antonio, the son of
his worst enemy, and not his own daughter? He had adopted Antonio, but he was still a Lopez-Fitzgerald through
blood. She could tell that he had the same characteristics as Luis, the stubbornness and anger, but also the gentle
loving side.
³Your father loves you, my sweet. Antonio is still learning the details of his past. He might never know what kind
of man Alistair truly was. He did love you, though, when he talked about you his eyes would light up. I am
thankful that your father took care of him the way he did, but angry that he took him away from his rightful place
beside us,² Pilar consoled.
³My father. I have to see him. I have to get him to explain why he took Antonio away from you and why he wasnıt
there for me,² Sheridan whimpered.
³I donıt think that is such a good idea,² Pilar commented.
³I have to go see him,² Sheridan whispered. ³Tell Luis I had a few errons to run.²
Before Pilar could stop her, Sheridan was out the door. Pilar knew that Luis would be furious if he knew that
Sheridan would be visiting Alistair.
After the trial he wanted nothing to do with neither Julian nor Sheridan
believing that they betrayed him. Yet, he was planning his revenge. He still had some secrets that the trial had not
revealed, the ones that were so shocking that even Julian did not know about them. Alistair knew that Antonio
being alive was one of those secrets. He was hoping that Antonio would follow through on their plan. Antonio
had made a mistake by coming to Harmony. Now Antonio had to pay for that one, Alistair knew he was a loose
cannon.
At the prison Alistair sat in his cell looking through the photographs of his family. The plans he had for them, the
dreams of being the most powerful family in the world is what made him so ambitious. He knew sitting there
minding his own business that you didnıt get rich by being Mr. Nice Guy. You had to cheat, steal, and back stab
everyone to get ahead in the world.
He expected to be out of the prison within weeks. There was no way he would
spend the rest of his life here. He had a plan and once his daughter came to visit him like he knew she eventually
would, his plan would be sent into motion.
After an hour he was informed that he had a visitor. His heart told him that she had come, her inquisitive mind
wanted answers. Alistair went to the visitation room and there she was a replica of his late wife. Yes, he loved her
mother very much, but with marriage came trust and he didnıt trust her anymore.
³Father,² Sheridan stated. ³I am here to ask you a few questions that deserve to be answered.²
³I knew you would come,² he replied sitting across from her.
³No, you didnıt. You made it clear when you decided to destroy my life that you didnıt want a daughter all you
wanted was someone to control like Julian.²
³After the events that recently happened I can see that I canıt even do that. You have so much of your mother in
you. It amazes me on how much you had grown up before my eyes. What a beautiful woman you had turned out to
be just like your mother. You have a heart as big as the ocean like she did. That is one reason I fell for her. She was
able to find the good in everyone even me, you still see that donıt you. You know that I love you, donıt you,² he
explained.
³You are insane if you think this will work on me like in the past.²
³Whatever are you talking about?²
³You are trying to manipulate me. I have learned from it, I am a much stronger woman than I use to be. Luis has
taught me that, his family has taught me the meaning of love and what family really means. They would do anything
for one another and not expect something in return. I get unconditional love from him and he is ten times the man
that you could ever be.²
³If you feel that way why would he let you come?²
³He doesnıt control me like you tried too.²
³So basically you are saying that he doesnıt know that you are here.²
³No, he doesnıt. That is not the point. I didnıt come here to discuss my relationship with Luis.²
³I hear you plan on marrying him.²
³Yes, I do. But he is not the reason I am here. His brother, Antonio, is what concerns me right now.²
³He is a fine young man. Why would he be a concern of yours?²
³Why? You ask why. How about the fact that you were there for every moment of his life and not mine. I am your
daughter and he was part of a family that you despised for years. Every time I thought you were to busy with
business you were with him. All of those years you stayed away you were with him. What made you love him
more? Why?²
³You were always going to go your own way. No matter what advice I gave you, you would not take it. I donıt
love you any less because of him. What did it hurt to give him things that he would never have otherwise. You
witnessed first hand what advantages you have from being a Crane to living with the Lopez-Fitzgeraldıs.²
³Yes, I have, but what they lack in material things they gain in love and acceptance. You wouldnıt know about
that.²
³I do love you, my dear Sheridan.²
³This isnıt going the way I planned it,² Sheridan whispered.
³He had a curious way about him. He wanted to learn the history of the Cranes. Antonio had the ambition to learn
and the brains to run Crane industries unlike your brother.²
³You controlled him is that what you are saying? I knew better than let you control me and Julian didnıt have the
smarts to do something right, but when Antonio came along you had your guinea pig. I donıt believe you. If ever
there is a moment to think you had a heart it has disappeared at this moment. You took away a child from his family,
a family that loved and appreciated him, to mold him into the perfect child. You bastard.²
With that Sheridan rushed away from her father. She began to feel pity for Antonio, did he know about Alistairıs
plan. Did he really know that he wasnıt loved as he thought, that he was just a puppet controlled by Alistair.
To Be Continued...